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Russell Wilson, MVP Contender, Leads Seahawks to 11-1 Record

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson made his case for a NFL Most Valuable Player consideration after a stellar performance in leading the Seahawks to a blowout win over the New Orleans Saints (9-3 record) on Monday Night Football, Dec. 2 in Seattle, Wash.

The win advanced the Seahawks to an 11-1 overall record, more than two games ahead of any other team in the hunt for the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs.

Wilson completed 22-of-30 passes for 310 yards and three touchdowns, committed no turnovers against an aggressive New Orleans defense. The second-year quarterback has 2, 672 total passing yards with 22 touchdowns to just six interceptions so far on the season. His 108.5 passer rating ranks third among starting quarterbacks in the league.

Wilson was one of nine African-American quarterbacks to begin the season as a starting quarterback, the most in the history of the league. He was drafted by Seattle in the third round of the 2012 NFL draft, the same draft that featured Washington Redskins second-year quarterback Robert Griffin III. Griffin was named NFL Rookie of the Year in 2012, but some observers contended that Wilson had the better rookie season of the two.

Wilson finished his rookie season with a NFL rookie record 26 passing touchdowns to 10 picks, while Griffin had 20 passing touchdowns to just five interceptions. Wilson so far has had the better sophomore year in the league – his 22 touchdowns to six interceptions tops Griffin’s 15 touchdowns to 11 interceptions for an 83.3 passer rating.

Wilson was born and raised in Richmond, Va. His grandfather, Harrison B. Wilson Jr., was president of Norfolk State University from 1975 through to 1997. His grandfather was also a standout athlete, starring in football, baseball, basketball and track at Kentucky State University.

Harrison Wilson III, Russell Wilson’s father, played football for the University of Richmond as a wide receiver and made the 1980 San Diego Chargers roster before quitting football to become a lawyer. He died in 2010. Wilson’s sister, Anna, is touted as one of the most promising high school basketball prospects in the country.